Doing Business in Bentonville — Top Stories
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Essential UX Metrics for Measuring Website Performance
Track technical performance, engagement behaviour and satisfaction metrics to measure and improve user experience on your website.
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG
AI agents are transforming retail and CPG by turning data into real-time action. Learn how agentic AI streamlines operations, predicts issues, and enhances decisions across marketing, supply chain, and merchandising to drive precision, speed, and profit.
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Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
Free Shipping, AI, and Speed Dominate Holiday 2025 E-Commerce
DHL’s latest study shows U.S. e-commerce leaders are prioritizing free delivery, AI-driven personalization, and fast domestic fulfillment for peak season success.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG
AI agents are transforming retail and CPG by turning data into real-time action. Learn how agentic AI streamlines operations, predicts issues, and enhances decisions across marketing, supply chain, and merchandising to drive precision, speed, and profit.
Ep. 2 - Stablecoin Meets Omnichannel
Stablecoin is reshaping retail payments with instant refunds, cheaper settlements, and programmable rewards. Discover how AI, automation, and transparency are building faster, smarter checkout systems that power the next wave of omnichannel commerce.
Ep. 3 – Your Store Is the Strategy
Friction kills retail growth, and fixing it starts in the aisles. Learn from strategist DeAnn Campbell how small design and data shifts turn stores into profit engines. Discover how AI, layout, and culture upgrades can lift loyalty, sales, and engagement across every channel.
AI and Tariffs Reshape the Supplier Playbook at Walmart
AI adoption and tariff shifts are reshaping how Walmart suppliers design, source, and sell products, demanding faster, smarter operations.
How to Track LLM Traffic in Your Web Analytics
As LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini reshape content discovery, tracking their traffic helps marketers and retailers optimize performance and measure AI-era engagement.
When Search Becomes Conversation: Rethinking Discovery in 2026
Search is morphing into conversational discovery; brands must integrate paid, SEO, content and local strategies to stay visible and relevant.
Top 4 Digital Sales Trends for 2026
Social commerce, flexible payments, fast logistics and automation are shaping digital sales in 2026—brands must adapt or fall behind.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Consumers in Flux: Key Insights from Mintel’s 2025 Global Trends
Mintel’s 2025 Global Consumer Trends unveil how the interplay of home, community and global contexts is reshaping shopper behaviour—vital intelligence for omnichannel leaders.
Skims Reaches $5 B Valuation, Plans Physical Store Expansion
Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand reaches a $5 billion valuation and plans to significantly expand its physical retail footprint.
Starbucks Baristas Strike on Red Cup Day Over Contracts
More than 1,000 unionized baristas at Starbucks Corporation across over 40 U.S. cities have initiated an indefinite strike during Red Cup Day, pressing for a collective bargaining agreement that addresses pay, staffing and benefits.
Despite Doubts, Data Shows College Still Pays in NWA
A growing number of Americans question the value of college—but in Northwest Arkansas, the income gap between degree holders and high school grads tells a different story.
Only 17% of Retailers Achieve Unified Commerce Maturity
Most retailers struggle to unify digital and in-store systems, exposing a major gap in delivering seamless omnichannel experiences.
Retailers Struggle to Prove ROI on In-Store Technology
Nearly half of North American retailers can’t quantify the return on in-store tech, raising concerns about investment impact.
Protect Your Brand: Know Your Caller Reputation
Unidentified and spoofed calls are increasingly hurting brand reputation and call answer rates—marketers and contact‑center leaders must act now.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
Supreme Court Weighs Presidential Tariff Power in Landmark Case
A Supreme Court case questioning Trump's emergency tariff authority could reshape sourcing strategies across retail and supply chain sectors.
U.S. Exempts 200+ Food Imports from Reciprocal Tariffs
The U.S. has lifted tariffs on key agricultural imports like coffee, tea, and bananas, signaling trade deal progress and easing omnichannel food supply pressures.
Walmart Faces Scrutiny Over Omnichannel Price Transparency
New York’s proposed pricing transparency law could fine retailers like Walmart $250 per violation if online and in-store prices aren’t clearly disclosed.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Retail Real Estate Shows Growth Despite Store Closures
Though closures remain headline‑driven, the underlying market momentum shows investors placing bets on the next‑gen store formats and fulfilment nodes rather than traditional big‑box expansion.
Burberry Returns to Growth with China and Heritage Focus
Burberry posts its first quarter of growth in two years, crediting British heritage revival and strong sales in China.
Walmart Completes Remodel at Milford & Putnam Stores, Launches Grand Reopenings
Walmart’s grand reopening of Milford and Putnam stores, as part of its 650‑plus store remodel programme, underscores its ongoing investment in physical retail experience and supplier execution.
Are Elon Musk’s Politics Costing Tesla One Million Sales?
Elon Musk’s political identity appears to be turning off core Tesla buyers—costing the company over one million potential vehicle sales, per Yale researchers.
Tariff Uncertainty Forces Retail Buyers to Recalibrate Holiday Strategies
Fluctuating U.S. import tariffs are disrupting traditional buying cycles for retailers, pushing deeper inventory planning, diversified sourcing and heightened risk for smaller operators.
Despite Doubts, Data Shows College Still Pays in NWA
A growing number of Americans question the value of college—but in Northwest Arkansas, the income gap between degree holders and high school grads tells a different story.
Essential UX Metrics for Measuring Website Performance
Track technical performance, engagement behaviour and satisfaction metrics to measure and improve user experience on your website.
Designing with Emotion: How Colors and Curves Close Deals
Colors, shapes and layout aren’t just aesthetics—they’re strategic tools that form emotional links, guide perception and help close deals.
How to Track LLM Traffic in Your Web Analytics
As LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini reshape content discovery, tracking their traffic helps marketers and retailers optimize performance and measure AI-era engagement.
When Search Becomes Conversation: Rethinking Discovery in 2026
Search is morphing into conversational discovery; brands must integrate paid, SEO, content and local strategies to stay visible and relevant.
Essential UX Metrics for Measuring Website Performance
Track technical performance, engagement behaviour and satisfaction metrics to measure and improve user experience on your website.
Walmart Completes Remodel at Milford & Putnam Stores, Launches Grand Reopenings
Walmart’s grand reopening of Milford and Putnam stores, as part of its 650‑plus store remodel programme, underscores its ongoing investment in physical retail experience and supplier execution.
AI and Tariffs Reshape the Supplier Playbook at Walmart
AI adoption and tariff shifts are reshaping how Walmart suppliers design, source, and sell products, demanding faster, smarter operations.
Designing with Emotion: How Colors and Curves Close Deals
Colors, shapes and layout aren’t just aesthetics—they’re strategic tools that form emotional links, guide perception and help close deals.
Social Commerce Becomes Retail’s New Checkout Channel
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are transforming content into commerce, requiring retailers and vendors to adapt fast to in-app buying trends.
Skims Reaches $5 B Valuation, Plans Physical Store Expansion
Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand reaches a $5 billion valuation and plans to significantly expand its physical retail footprint.
Mastering Gift Guide PR: A Brand’s Roadmap to Editorial Placement
Brands that start early, match their product to the right outlet, and offer affiliate‑ready availability have the best shot at gift‑guide placement—and in today’s omnichannel world, that coverage signals demand, trust and readiness across all channels.
How Modern Retail Strategies Are Meeting the Needs of Today’s Parents
Parenting brands are thriving through omnichannel retail by blending empathy, convenience, and connection across digital and physical platforms.
AI and Tariffs Reshape the Supplier Playbook at Walmart
AI adoption and tariff shifts are reshaping how Walmart suppliers design, source, and sell products, demanding faster, smarter operations.
Tariff Uncertainty Forces Retail Buyers to Recalibrate Holiday Strategies
Fluctuating U.S. import tariffs are disrupting traditional buying cycles for retailers, pushing deeper inventory planning, diversified sourcing and heightened risk for smaller operators.
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
Toyota Opens $13.9B Battery Plant, Pledges $10B More for U.S.
Toyota launches production at its first U.S. EV battery hub in North Carolina, signaling deep investments in domestic supply chain and electrification.
Louvre Heist Highlights Cybersecurity Risks in Retail
A Louvre security breach underscores urgent cybersecurity gaps facing retailers ahead of the high-risk holiday shopping season.
Cold Chain Innovation: How Grocery Is Going Greener and Smarter
As shoppers demand fresher, faster deliveries and sustainability takes centre stage, grocery logistics is re‑engineering the cold chain with new packaging, IoT sensors and lean delivery strategies.
Centric Software Drives Retail Efficiency with PLM Tools
Centric Software’s PLM and AI solutions help retailers streamline product development, enhance inventory planning, and support sustainability goals.
Boost Productivity with the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle, reveals how focusing on a small percentage of efforts can yield substantial results in productivity and personal fulfillment.
Essential UX Metrics for Measuring Website Performance
Track technical performance, engagement behaviour and satisfaction metrics to measure and improve user experience on your website.
Walmart Completes Remodel at Milford & Putnam Stores, Launches Grand Reopenings
Walmart’s grand reopening of Milford and Putnam stores, as part of its 650‑plus store remodel programme, underscores its ongoing investment in physical retail experience and supplier execution.
Designing with Emotion: How Colors and Curves Close Deals
Colors, shapes and layout aren’t just aesthetics—they’re strategic tools that form emotional links, guide perception and help close deals.
How to Track LLM Traffic in Your Web Analytics
As LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini reshape content discovery, tracking their traffic helps marketers and retailers optimize performance and measure AI-era engagement.